Have mercy, have mercy on me cried Bartimaeus the blind man as Jesus walked by. But some tried to keep the blind man quiet. Consequently he yelled even louder. Jesus finally heard him as he drew near and said to the others,”call him here!” Then Jesus asked the man, “what can I do for you?” The man said, “I want to regain my sight,” and Jesus replied, “go your faith has made you well.” What a nice story right, a Hallmark ending.

But I noticed something new from this old story today. The blind man did something we don’t see too often. He cried out for mercy. But why? I’m pretty sure Bartimaeus had not attended church, bible studies, seminary, or even met Jesus before. He hadn’t read articles or saw Jesus on the cover of Time Magazine. But he must have known that Jesus was capable of restoring to him his sight. He was simply begging for mercy, asking Jesus to do for him something that he could not do for himself.

If you are not a Christian already, haven’t you heard all your life about this man Jesus? This is America. You know way more about Jesus than this man did, what’s your excuse? You know Christians like me believe he was crucified and rose from the dead, I’ve not been shy about my faith. I said before that He healed the sick, restored the sight of the blind, raised the dead, and ascended to heaven. I know you have heard mercy is at the core of forgiveness and your life is far from glorious perfection, right? This Jesus guy said, if the blind will turn to me and have faith, they will be made to see. He said if you have faith as small as a mustard seed you can move mountains. So why not cry out for mercy yourself? If our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing. Are you perishing? Or is Jesus calling you? I’m telling you He is nearby! So scream “Mercy.” Scream it till He hears you. Faith and mercy are at the core of receiving your sight and His eternal forgiveness.

Have a blessed sunday.